Written by Emma McDaris // Graphic by Ben Evans
The Harding chapter of the Healthy Eating Active Living (HEAL) program hosted a Chili Cookoff to begin the academic semester in support of a local charity.
HU HEAL invited all students to bring their best chili to compete at the Olen-Hendrix building Jan. 18 from 6-8 p.m. for the prize of $100 of dining credit. The contest was judged by members of The Daughters of the Other Side, an addiction recovery program for women in the Searcy area. Students involved with the HEAL chapter and its activities partnered with the recovery organization to create a night of healthy competition and community bonding.
Some of these students include junior Allie-Grace Matheny, who saw this event as a time for togetherness.
“I am excited for the chili cookoff because it’s such a fun way to get people together for a good cause,” Matheny said. “It’s already fun to cook with friends, but it’s even better that Daughters of the Other Side will benefit from the cookoff.”
Junior Kati Hauer said she looked forward to the competition as a new member of the chapter.
“The chili cookoff is my first event with HEAL,” Hauer said. “What excites me about this event is the opportunity for students to engage with women from The Daughters of the Other Side. They will be judging our chili and choosing a winner. We are excited to sit down to a meal with them, as we believe that eating together is a vital part of human connection.”
Hauer was hired at the end of the fall semester as the Nutrition Director for the organization and emphasized the mission of HEAL and how the chapter intended to continue its mission in the spring semester.
“This semester, a priority for HEAL is the spiritual health of Harding students,” Hauer said. “On January 30 in the Admin Auditorium from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. there will be a presentation about Eating Disorders by health professionals. Also, on Feb. 27 there will be a presentation by Fight the New Drug. Although these are not HEAL-planned events, our goal is to provide further resources for those who are struggling with these things on campus.”
Senior Elise Siklosi said there’s a deeper meaning to the students gathering.
“Students and faculty and whoever wants to get involved can bring food to make chili or soup,” Siklosi said. “It really encompasses HEAL’s mission of glorifying God through being healthy, and honoring God by taking care of ourselves.”
Matheny said the organization has directly affected many students’ perceptions of health and how to attain a holistic, healthy lifestyle with Christ at the center.
“HEAL has impacted my experience at Harding in such positive ways,” Matheny said. “HEAL has helped me see myself as a vessel for Christ, made to glorify him rather than focus so much on what I look like. HEAL has also provided a community of like-minded people who care to glorify God in fitness and health.”
